By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published May 04, 2022 at 12:16 PM Photography: Lori Fredrich

Is there anything better than delving into a plate of indulgently crisp deep-fried cheese curds? We think not. And biting into their fresh squeaky cousins is a very close second.

That’s what makes the release of the brand new Milwaukee Cheese Curd Pass some of most exciting news to hit the Cream City since the release of the equally compelling Brew City Beer Pass

Whether it’s that warm buttery crunch you’re after or the ever-so subtle squeak of the cheese between your teeth, the free pass – which was launched today by VISIT Milwaukee – will offer you the opportunity to try out  both fresh and fried cheese curds form over 20 area venues at a very special discount.

You’re also invited to celebrate the release of the cheesy new initiative by attending a special launch party pop-up on Thursday, May 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Harley Davidson Museum's Motor Bar and Restaurant, 401 W. Canal St.

Up for a cheesy challenge? 

The Milwaukee Cheese Curd Pass is built for quick, easy use on mobile devices. But you don’t need to download a special app to use it. Just use your phone to sign up for the free pass on the VISIT Milwaukee website and the pass will be downloaded to your home screen. When you visit a participating business, check in on the pass and redeem the offer by showing the pass.

Download the pass before June 1 and you’ll be entered to win free cheese curds for an entire year.

Even better, If you check in at every single business included on the Milwaukee Cheese Curd Pass on or before Dec. 31, 2022, you’ll be eligible to win The Ultimate Cheese Giveaway.

Pancake battered cheese curds at Black Sheep
Pancake battered cheese curds at Black Sheep
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Where can you use your pass

Here’s the list of businesses that are serving up the all the cheesey goodness.

And more to come

The Milwaukee Cheese Curd pass is part of an ongoing series of VISIT Milwaukee passes, which aim to increase tourism and promote spending at local partner businesses while giving the community something to celebrate.

"Whether it's squeaky-fresh or fried, the curd is the word in Milwaukee," said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "Always delectable and never bland, the Milwaukee cheese curd is a delicacy that's not only cherished by locals, but also revered by foodies around the world. We cannot think of a better way to promote the remarkable local businesses that sell this sacred food than with a pass that brings locals and travelers together."

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.